My 3-month-old kitten had one vaccine, diagnosed with FPV and coronavirus; FPV now negative, coronavirus 14.5, slightly anemic, WBC rising. What is the cause and treatment?
Expert Answer
A rise in white blood cells after FPV recovery may be normal – during treatment the virus replication was suppressed and the body mobilized many white cells to fight the virus. A purulent wound could also raise WBC. The recommendation is symptomatic treatment, wound care, and a course of antibiotics. However, the bloodwork shows WBC rising while red blood cells are falling, which is abnormal and needs investigation.
A blood smear can check for hemolysis, blood parasites, or clotting problems. Monitor a complete blood count daily; if WBC keeps rising and RBC keeps falling, immune-mediated hemolysis is suspected, caused by long-term inflammatory stimulation. Congenital immune-mediated hemolysis requires steroid anti-inflammatory treatment, and in severe cases a blood transfusion may be needed.